Plano, Texas, -- Kevin Higgins has been hired by Transplace, Inc., as Vice President, International Logistics.

Mr. Higgins' appointment signals Transplace's intent to grow its international service capabilities significantly in 2006, building on the company's current technology presence in the Shanghai province of China.

Mr. Higgins' deep industry experience includes more than a decade of service at Wal-Mart, where he held various senior-level positions, including director of Global Transportation, director of Grocery Fleet/Regional Transportation and director of the Office of Regulatory Compliance. At Wal-Mart, Higgins developed an efficient transportation and logistics strategy to support both domestic shipments and foreign import needs. Following his tenure at Wal-Mart, Mr. Higgins served as founder and chief operating officer of American World Alliance, a 3PL set up to manage international freight. The balanced perspective he has gained in both the corporate and service provider arenas makes Higgins a natural fit to step into the new international logistics role at Transplace.

"Our growing customer base of global retailers, consumer product and other manufacturers makes international service expansion the next logical step for Transplace," said Tom Sanderson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Transplace. "With his experience in developing and deploying transportation and logistics services internationally, Kevin Higgins is the perfect candidate to lead this initiative."

Based out of the company's Lowell, AR operations center, Mr. Higgins will work closely with Dr. Jun-Sheng Li, Transplace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. A native of China, Dr. Li brings a deep understanding of the international logistics landscape and provides a well-rounded business and cultural perspective on gaining a foothold in the Chinese market and other regions of Asia where new pathways for growth continue to emerge.

"I have dedicated my career to building and implementing well organized, comprehensive transportation strategies in the interest of managing multiple vendors, carriers, shippers and other business parties," said Mr. Higgins.